PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AMRA BEEJA (MANGIFERA INDICA L SEED KERNEL)

Introduction- Mangifera indica L commonly known as mango, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is widely cultivated in India. In Ayurveda, Amra Beeja (mango seed kernel) is valued for its Kashaya and Madhura properties and is traditionally used in diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, and bleeding disorders. The seed kernel contains tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides responsible for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal activities. Standardization of herbal drugs is essential to ensure quality, purity, and efficacy. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of Amra Beeja. Materials and Methods- Mango seeds were collected, cleaned, shade dried, and the kernels were powdered. Organoleptic evaluation including color, odor, taste, and texture was performed. Physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, extractive values, and pH were determined using standard procedures. Powder microscopy and fluorescence analysis were also carried out for authentication. Results- The powder was brownish yellow with characteristic odor and astringent taste. Loss on drying was found to be 6.5% w/w, indicating low moisture content. Total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water soluble ash values were within acceptable limits, suggesting purity of the drug. Water soluble extractive value was higher than alcohol soluble extractive value, indicating abundance of water-soluble constituents such as tannins and phenolics. Microscopy showed starch grains, fibers, and sclereids, while fluorescence analysis exhibited characteristic behavior under UV light. Discussion- The study established important physicochemical standards for Amra Beeja. The findings support its traditional medicinal use and confirm the presence of bioactive compounds. These parameters can be useful for quality control, authentication, and standardization of herbal formulations containing Amra Beeja.